Editorial

People with schizophrenia have substantial premature mortality compared to individuals without schizophrenia. They also have a wide range of co-morbidities and multiple physical health conditions but are less likely than people without schizophrenia to have a primary care record of cardiovascular disease. This suggests a systematic underrecognition and under-treatment of cardiovascular disease, which may contribute to the increased mortality seen in this vulnerable patient group.

We evaluated the accuracy and predictive value of conventional BP measurements performed by primary care physicians in comparison with ABPM in a cross-sectional study of hypertensive patients in primary healthcare. We found that conventional BP measurements are less accurate than 24-hour ABPM.

There is evidence to show that high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) can increase cardiorespiratory fitness, lower blood pressure, increase insulin sensitivity and reduce body fat. All these are important in preventing the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify factors related to progression of chronic kidney disease in a primary care service. Risk factors for progression of CKD were: diabetes, hypertension, uncontrolled systolic pressure and basal creatinine.

Since the introduction of the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF), GPs have been incentivised to keep a register of patients diagnosed with heart failure (HF). Such registers are only effective if they are audited regularly, since they are likely to contain errors and omissions. GRASP-HF is a new tool designed to help busy practices achieve a systematic approach to the identification, diagnosis and management of patients with HF.

"There are two objects of medical education: to heal the sick and to advance the science."

Through the support of NHS Improvement, Guidance on Risk Assessment for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation (GRASP-AF) has been rolled out nationally. Nearly 2,000 practices have adopted the GRASP concept, representing an overall population of 13 million.

Exercise is a preventive tool in combating cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity: an extra 12 minutes a day could make a big difference.